Anthony

the eve of Ascension, at Vespers

The council bells are ringing for the militia muster. I have no padded jack to wear, because that lying dog Oswald pawned it to Drslav for ale. I have no silver to get the token back. The pillory is waiting for me.

• 
  Oswald

  It was a terrible thirst, Anthony. Drslav gave a fair price. You will survive the muster.

• 
  James

  I know the fear. Richard took my helmet to the same bastard in the upper town.

Nota scribaeHe paced back and forth so much while speaking that I grew dizzy.

the third day of Easter week, at None

Prokop looked right at my bare hands today and chose another crew. I am starving because Baldwin still has my best iron tool and will not give it back. I lent it in good faith at Candlemas, and now I eat dirt.

• 
  Baldwin

  I still need it for the ditching work, lad. A tool belongs where it is used.

• 
  Anthony

  You are starving a man who works harder than you do.

the eve of Palm Sunday, at Terce

They say poor Maurice is still rotting in that cellar after his fall from the timber wagon. A terrible thing to break your bones. I would bring him half a loaf if I had the groschen, but a man taking half-pay cannot feed two.

• 
  Philip

  I went to see him yesterday. He smells worse than a dead sheep.

Nota scribaeThe man spat on the ground as he left, narrowly missing my shoe.

the feast of St Gregory, at Prime

The baker wants another penny for a stale crust today. The soldiers on the roads take all the grain. If King Wenceslas were on his throne, honest working men would not be robbed blind by every merchant who opens his doors.

• 
  Jarda

  Ay, the Hungarians eat better than honest Christians now.

the day after Candlemas, at Compline

I lent my best tool to Baldwin this morning for his ditching work. A man must help his neighbours. But he had better return it by Sunday, or I will be clearing rubble at the Court with my bare hands.

• 
  Baldwin

  You are a good Christian, Anthony. It will be back in your hands soon enough.